Singer Tony Hadley has announced he is leaving 1980s pop group Spandau Ballet, stating he "will not be performing" with them in the future. In a brief statement, Hadley said: "Due to circumstances beyond my control, it is with deep regret that I am required to state that I am no longer a member of the band Spandau Ballet." He did not elaborate on the reasons for his departure.
The remaining band members responded on their official website, expressing frustration that Hadley had made clear in September 2016 he no longer wished to work with them. They confirmed that 2015 was the last time they performed together and have decided to move on as a band without him.
Spandau Ballet originally formed in 1976 as The Cut and rose to fame in the New Romantic era, scoring hits including 'True' and 'Gold'. They split acrimoniously in the 1990s amid a legal dispute over songwriting royalties, with Hadley, Steve Norman and John Keeble suing guitarist Gary Kemp. The case was decided in Kemp's favour, and a subsequent legal battle over the band's name also saw Hadley and his allies lose.
The group reformed in 2009, holding a press conference on HMS Belfast in London. They toured worldwide, headlined the Isle of Wight Festival and released a documentary, 'Soul Boys of the Western World', as well as new songs for a 2014 compilation album. In recent years, members pursued solo projects, with Martin Kemp appearing as a judge on BBC's 'Let It Shine'.
Hadley's departure effectively ends any prospect of a future reunion. Fans reacted on Twitter, referencing the band's lyrics with comments such as "Say it's not True!" and "Communication let them down."
